The Bugle - 29 August 2008
In news this week
Regional NRM group stories- Kids discover fun at the forum
- Private rainforest saved with new funding
- Qld's biodiversity and natural icons feature online
- FBA director named 'Male Elder of the Year'
- Priority areas chosen for on-ground work
- New tourist attraction is on top of the world
- Mamu people to benefit from new tourist attraction
- It only takes five minutes to help regionalNRM
- Who you gonna call? Weedbusters!
- Study sheds light on infestations
- Backpackers attack crazy ants
- Queensland rural leasehold land advisory committee appointed
- Sustainable NRM to be the talk of the north
- Marketing Queensland's water sector to the world
- All in the name of discovery
- Riversymposium starts on Monday
- RIRDC Rural Women's Award creates opportunities
- National Landcare Awards live online
- MDBC welcomes first ABS 'basin' statistics report
- AgForward workshop update
- Get a job in NRM!
Regional NRM group stories
Kids discover fun at the forum
Over 300 students from across southern Queensland converged on the Goondiwindi Cultural Centre for the annual Discovering Landcare Forum, organised by the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC).
The two-day event, themed 'Science to the Rescue', was the fourth Discovering Landcare Forum hosted by QMDC in the region. Students were involved in an array of exciting, hands-on activities based around the themes of science and sustainability.
Philippa Sly, from Yelarbon State School, said that she felt the forum was a great way for the students to learn, and provided fantastic opportunities to meet new people and see new things. "The variety of activities was fantastic, and all the presenters were able to connect science to real life situations that our students were able to relate to, which was very valuable," she said.
High school students were also involved in a property planning field day at a local property outside Goondiwindi, where they participated in a range of activities related to real-life property management.
A community dinner was held on the Tuesday evening, where 75 community members and special guests heard presentations from inspiring speakers, including Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley, AO, Governor of Queensland, and local farmer, John Coggan.
Forum organiser, Renee Fletcher, from QMDC, said she was very happy with the event, and that she hoped the students all learned something about science and sustainability from the activities.
For more information visit the QMDC website.
Private rainforest saved with new funding
Landowners in the Baffle Creek catchment are receiving funds to protect their rainforest.
Under the Baffle Creek Catchment Rainforest Recovery Project, landowners are sharing in $258 000 of grant funding to assist in conservation of rare rainforest vegetation.
The project is part of the larger South East Queensland Rainforest Recovery Program supported by the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) and WWF-Australia. Landholders can apply for up to $30 000 to undertake actions such as weeding, fencing, revegetation, feral animal control and fire management.
BMRG regional liaison officer Derani Sullivan said, "Some of these people have lived on their properties for many years, but just need some help to look after their patch of scrub.
"They already have a strong conservation ethic, but this funding will make a big difference to the rainforest by connecting habitat, improving wildlife movement and protecting endangered regional ecosystems," Ms Sullivan said.
Ms Sullivan said that more funds were available and encouraged landowners to apply.
To apply for funds or to enquire about the project, contact Derani Sullivan on 4181 2999 or 0419 462 150.
Qld's biodiversity and natural icons feature online
A new digital case study is available on PlaceStories showing how regional bodies and their partners are protecting and enhancing Queensland's biodiversity and natural icons.
There is extensive work underway to enhance and protect Queensland's biodiversity - its native plant and animal communities. This is being achieved through programs involving fire management, revegetation, fencing and feral animal control, weed removal, reducing grazing in threatened habitats and minimising human impacts on wildlife.
Visit PlaceStories to see the second digital story Enhancing and Protecting Queensland's Biodiversity and Natural Icons, which shows examples of this work.
Next month's state-level digital story on PlaceStories will show how regional bodies and their partners are addressing sustainable agriculture.
FBA director named ‘Elder of the Year’
Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA) board member Bob Muir was named NAIDOC 'Male Elder of the Year' for 2008. This national honour recognises Bob’s strong standing in the local community.
Bob has been a powerhouse in the Central Queensland community, working with government agencies and higher education institutions to promote awareness of Indigenous cultural heritage and environmental protection issues.
Bob has mentored, influenced and educated students and young adults through programs instigated by Education Queensland and Greening Australia. Through his diverse and tireless work, and a readiness to extend the hand of friendship, Bob has won respect and admiration for himself and built bridges between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Bob has inspired others to believe that dreams can come true and, in pursuit of his dreams, he has touched many lives and achieved many things for his people and the reconciliation process within Queensland and the nation.
You can learn more about Bob by visiting the NAIDOC website and reading his profile.
Priority areas chosen for on-ground work
Sustainability will be boosted across 13 catchments in the Fitzroy Basin region, chosen as targets for on-ground work over the next year. The catchments were identified as high priority areas through the Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA) neighbourhood catchments approach.
FBA chief executive officer Suzie Christensen said neighbourhood catchments encouraged neighbouring landholders and communities to work together to address environmental issues to improve productivity and sustainability.
"By focussing our attention in priority neighbourhood catchments, our money is spent as strategically as possible and we have the chance to make a real impact," Ms Christensen said.
FBA held a series of community workshops to help determine the neighbourhood catchments, based on a combination of scientific and local knowledge. Some of the issues considered included erosion, biodiversity, weeds, and the location of coastal assets so they were able to link current land management with its impact on the reef.
Ms Christensen said on-ground works and engagement activities would be carried out in collaboration between FBA and five sub-regional catchment groups.
She said while efforts would be focussed on the new catchments, activities would build on work done in prior neighbourhood catchments and there would be ongoing follow-up with those communities.
Almost 200 neighbourhood catchments have been identified by FBA in Central Queensland.
For more information visit the FBA website.
Government updates
New tourist attraction is on top of the world
Premier Anna Bligh has opened North Queensland's latest must-see tourist attraction, the $10 million Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway in the Wooroonooran National Park near Innisfail.
The spectacular tree-top walkway, the largest project ever undertaken in a Queensland national park, features a 2.2km forest walking track that links a 40m-high, 340m-long elevated walkway through the canopy with a 37m high observation tower.
The walkway is located in the Palmerston section of the Wooroonooran National Park, 1km east of Crawfords Lookout and 27km from the turnoff from the Bruce Highway. The park is a 90 minutes' drive from Cairns and 30 minutes from Innisfail.
It will be open every day except Christmas Day or in extreme weather. Opening hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm with last entry at 4.30 pm. To enjoy all sections of the walk and the interpretive display, visitors will need at least one and a half to two hours, and are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the grounds.
Tickets are only available on site. Fees are $20 per adult, $10 a child, $50 a family, $16 for pensioners and $6 for school students in groups.
People living in the Cairns, Cassowary Coast and Tablelands Regional Council boundaries should bring proof of residency, such as a drivers' licence, to take advantage of a 20 per cent discount.
Read the full media release on the Queensland Government media statement website.
Mamu people to benefit from new tourist attraction
North Queensland's latest must-see tourist attraction, the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway in the Wooroonooran National Park near Innisfail will also benefit the local Indigenous community.
The Environmental Protection Agency worked closely with the Mamu people to develop the walkway in a culturally and environmentally sensitive way, and to provide long-term employment opportunities. People from all over the world will now get the chance to learn more about the Mamu, their country and culture.
For each entry fee paid by visitors, the Mamu people will receive $1, estimated to be about $150 000 a year. Next to the walkway, 12 hectares has been set aside for the Mamu people to potentially develop a business venture such as a shop, restaurant and accommodation.
The walkway was built in the most environmentally sustainable way, minimising impacts not only during construction but for the life of the structure.
Durable, environmentally-sustainable materials were used - from walkway decking, wall cladding and seats made from recycled plastic through to open unpainted galvanised steel. Solar panels have been installed to supplement mains energy supply.
Premier Anna Bligh said the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway is an exciting chapter for tourism in North Queensland and for the Mamu people.
Read the full media release on the Queensland Government media statement website.
It only takes five minutes to help regionalNRM
If you have five minutes to spare, then why not fill out the RegionalNRM website user survey and help the Department of Natural Resources and Water's Catchment Programs to build a better online resource.
Catchment Programs is revamping the RegionalNRM website and would like to hear from you about how it could be improved. Simply go to the online survey and follow the prompts.
The questionnaire will take you a couple of minutes to complete and will close on 12 September.
With your help we will improve the way the website delivers information. Thanks for helping to develop a better RegionalNRM website.
Who you gonna call? Weedbusters!
The time for kicking those weeds out of town is fast approaching, with the annual Weedbuster Week taking place throughout Australia from 1-7 September.
Biosecurity Queensland's weed awareness coordinator Petra Skoien said anyone can get involved and become a weedbuster.
"Weeds cause lots of damage to our native plants and animals, primary industries and human and animal health, and cost the Australian economy $4 billion every year in lost agricultural production," Dr Skoien said.
"Activities such as weeding and planting at local creeks, bushland, parks or wetlands; weed displays with local native alternatives; BBQs with guest speakers and tree planting have all been fantastic events in previous years," Dr Skoien said.
The theme of this year's Weedbuster Week is 'Grow me Instead', which focuses on the benefits of planting natives and non-weed garden plants.
For further details on Weedbuster activities throughout Queensland visit the Weedbusters website.
Study sheds light on infestations
A study undertaken by Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) weed experts is giving land managers an insight into the destructive potential of grader grass.
Grader grass (Themeda quadrivalvis) is an invasive exotic high biomass annual grass that is increasing its distribution in northern Australia. A native of India, it grows well in the higher rainfall areas of the savannahs and coastal regions of northern Australia although it has been recorded as far south as Sydney and in areas receiving as little rain as 400mm annually.
A sign of the level of community concern that exists about the grass is the funding sources of the recent study: Burdekin Dry Tropics Natural Resource Management, Northern Gulf Resource Management Group and Southern Gulf Catchments have all provided money towards the research and the collaboration with Queensland Parks and Wildlife, graziers and the Department of Natural Resources and Water.
Researcher Dr Wayne Vogler, who is based at DPI&F's Biosecurity Queensland Tropical Weeds Research Centre in Charters Towers, said if grader grass was left unchecked, it could dominate large areas of northern Australia's savannah grasslands.
Grader grass infestations can significantly impact the profitability of grazing enterprises by reducing the productive capacity of pastures, as well as severely degrade conservation areas by forming dense monocultures.
Researchers have explored the viability of various herbicide and cutting control measures as well as assessing its nutritional value compared to native and introduced pasture grasses.
While the research continues, as a first line of defence against weed invasion, land managers should manage their pastures to maintain good ground cover which will suppress grader grass establishment.
For more information visit the DPI&F Biosecurity Queensland website.
Backpackers attack crazy ants
Backpackers armed with yellow crazy ant baits have helped wipe out nests of the invasive pests south of Cairns.
Twelve backpackers from nations including Switzerland, Korea and England helped lay baits to kill the pests as part of a Conservation Volunteers Australia project.
Biosecurity Queensland project officer Mandy Soymonoff said, "They helped us with monitoring in the bushland areas of Edmonton and Bentley Park."
The quarantine zone declared at Edmonton and Bentley Park has almost halved since colonies of the ants were first discovered in the suburb in 2004. Restrictions placed on 52 properties where the ants have been detected have also been lifted.
Mandy Soymonoff said the yellow crazy ants can hitch a ride when material such as vegetation, gravel, soil, stock, fodder, grain, machinery and vehicles are moved.
The ants are about 5mm long, yellow to brownish in colour with long legs and antennae.
To report suspected yellow crazy ants or for more information, call the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) on 132 523 or visit DPI&F website.
Queensland rural leasehold land advisory committee appointed
A new stakeholder committee will advise on rural leasehold land management and implementation of the Delbessie Agreement.
The committee will provide the state with independent, expertise-based advice on the land condition assessment guidelines and other Delbessie implementation matters.
Once the guidelines have been agreed to, on-ground assessment of rural leasehold land can take place and land management agreements can be prepared. This will form part of the new application process for both new and renewed leases affected by the Delbessie Agreement.
The Delbessie Agreement is a new framework for securing the productive and environmental future of state rural leasehold land that came into effect on 1 January.
The committee members are Kenneth Drysdale, Malcolm Collinge, Anthony John Pressland, Laurel Johnson, Andrew Freeman, Des Boyland, Greg Coonan, Peter MacDonald, Malcolm Martin and Dr Martin Taylor.
The members have a wide range of expertise and experience in areas such as rural industry, natural resource management, agricultural science, public policy, native title, cultural heritage, and environmental science.
For more information visit the Department of Natural Resources and Water website.
Sustainable NRM to be the talk of the north
Sustainable management of North Queensland's natural resources will be the focus of a major conference in Townsville next month.
The 2008 Natural Resources Conference on 4 September will explore issues that will affect the liveability and future prosperity of North Queensland.
Topics to be addressed include best practices in farming, environmentally sustainable tourism, water recycling, indigenous land tenure and the Australian carbon emissions trading scheme.
The theme of this year's conference is 'Perish or prosper: balanced management of North Queensland's natural resources'. Townsville has been chosen as the first regional centre to host the third annual conference in recognition of the north's vital role in the economic and environmental health of Queensland.
Attendees will hear some of the latest scientific research in natural resource management, as well as listen to experts engage in spirited panel discussion about how to tackle the challenges of sustainable planning in the future.
For more information about the 2008 Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) Natural Resources Conference, visit the NRW website.
Marketing Queensland's water sector to the world
The Queensland Government has developed an action plan to market Queensland's water expertise and technology to the world.
The new water sector action plan will help Queensland's water sector continue to grow and take advantage of the knowledge and expertise it has gained in recent years through the world-class water projects it has undertaken.
It promotes Queensland internationally and within Australia as a hub of knowledge and provider of innovative, best practice water technologies and services.
Queensland's water sector comprises engineering, technology and manufacturing firms, water infrastructure companies, water distribution entities, education and research institutions, finance companies and government.
The water sector action plan brings together the expertise and knowledge of the Queensland Government, educational institutions, technology, construction, financial and water services sectors so we can jointly market our experience to the world.
The water sector action plan is part of the Queensland Government's Smart Industry Policy.
The Smart State Strategy is the Queensland Government's signature policy to create a state where knowledge, creativity and innovation drive economic growth to improve prosperity and quality of life for all Queenslanders.
A copy of the water sector action plan is available on the Department of Natural Resources and Water website.
All in the name of discovery
The startling discovery of tiny, ancient animals living in underground freshwater reserves in arid Australia has netted a scientist from Western Australia the first ever Eureka Prize for Outstanding Taxonomic Research.
Sponsored by the Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS), the $10 000 prize is part of a suite presented annually by the Australian Museum that rewards excellence in the field of Australian science.
Dr Bill Humphreys has discovered animals ranging from diving beetles to worms and see-through crustaceans that are relics of a time period before dinosaurs roamed what is now outback Australia. Most of the animals live in ancient rivers that have been submerged in Australia's sunburnt desert zones for around two million years.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett said, "Innovative taxonomic research, as is encouraged by this prize, is critical to tackling the huge task of discovering and identifying all of Australia's plants and animals and conserving them into the future."
Minister Garrett said only about one quarter of an estimated 680 000 Australian plant and animal species have been named and described, and almost half the continent has never been visited by scientists.
Minister Garrett congratulated inaugural award-winner Dr Humphreys, based at the Western Australian Museum, for his work in documenting a unique array of underground, freshwater animals and working with government and industry to enhance their conservation.
"His work is currently informing sound environmental management by conservation managers and natural resource users in iconic Australian areas such as the Kimberley and the Pilbara," Mr Garret said.
Reef updates
New interest in rare coral reef
Until recently, very few people knew about the beautiful coral reef at Pancake Creek.
However, as part of a reef mapping project conducted with the Burnett Mary region, this area of completely unique and 100 percent hard coral has been confirmed as one of the worlds few tidal creek coral reef systems.
The reef mapping project is funded by the Burnett Mary Regional Group and is being conducted by Dr Sander Scheffers from the Centre for Environmental Management of Central Queensland University. Dr Scheffers is also being supported by Dr Ashley Bunce, the remote sensing group at Southern Cross University (NSW) and the 1770 Reef Explorers.
Dr Scheffers mapped inshore reefs from Gladstone to Burrum Heads and performed underwater verifications of reef communities and their health. Previously, there was almost no knowledge of the occurrence of reefs or their health south of the Gladstone region.
The hard coral reef found at Pancake Creek is under threat from boats, as the creek is only 4-5m in depth. Pancake Creek is north of Bustard Head, near the Town of 1770.
Dr Scheffers is now consulting with the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a management plan for high ecological value areas including Pancake Creek and Hummock Hill.
For more information about the reef mapping project please email Dr Scheffers.
Natural resources news
RIRDC Rural Women's Award creates opportunities
Applications for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women's Award are now open and rural women are being encouraged to give it a go and enter themselves or nominate someone they think is up to the challenge.
The RIRDC Rural Women's Award celebrates rural women and their contribution to primary industries. It gives rural women the chance to discover their strengths and build their capacity to contribute to primary industries and rural Australia.
The 2009 award provides a bursary of $10 000 for each state and territory winner to support them in developing their leadership capacity and the opportunity for the winner and runner-up in each state and territory to attend the Australian Institute of Company Director's course.
A national RIRDC Rural Women's Award winner and runner-up is then selected to represent the award, RIRDC and rural women on a national platform.
The award is an initiative of the RIRDC, in partnership with state and territory agencies responsible for agriculture, primary industries and resources. Major sponsors of the 2009 Award are the Australian Women's Weekly, ABC Radio and Rural Press Ltd.
Applications close on 15 October 2008, World Rural Women's Day. Application forms are available from RIRDC (02) 6271 4100, or they can be downloaded from the Rural Womens Award website.
Riversymposium starts on Monday
More than 600 experts from 52 countries will come together in Brisbane next Monday for a four-day global forum to explore challenges associated with the increased flooding and drought resulting from climate change.
Australia's largest river management forum, the 11th International Riversymposium: A Future of Extremes, will take place in Brisbane from 1-4 September as part of Riverfestival.
For the first time, Riversymposium will provide feedback from its key sessions to the 5th World Water Forum in Turkey next year.
Artistic director of Riversymposium Lyndon Terracini said, "Climate change, drought, pollution and their effects on rivers, human health and our livelihoods are examples of the issues that will be addressed and discussed during the global conference."
Riversymposium will address a range of topical water issues; some currently on the national agenda and others that are lesser-known but equally important.
Riversymposium will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Visit the Riversymposium website to learn more.
National Landcare Awards live online
Landcare Australia is considering running a live web cast of the National Landcare Awards being held on 23 October at Parliament House. People with internet access will be able to watch the event on the web. Viewers will be able to email questions to presenters and leave messages of support, which may be displayed on the big screen.
Held every two years, the awards recognise environmental achievements. There are 10 award categories, each contested by the winners of last year's state and territory Landcare awards.
People can register their interest in using this service by filling in a short survey on the Survey monkey website.
The awards are usually attended by the Prime Minister, various ministers, and feature a performance by a well-known Australian music artist. There will also be testimonials from other well known Australians. In addition, this year Jack Thompson will present the People's Choice Award to the finalist who receives the most votes from the broader community at the Landcareheroes website.
Regional bodies may be interested in hosting a National Landcare Awards gathering for a small or large group and use a projector to run the web cast on a big screen. Email Landcare Aaustralia to express interest or ask questions.
You will need broadband internet to watch the web cast. Visit this site to see sample footage and check if your computer and internet connection are capable of receiving the web cast.
MDBC welcomes first ABS 'basin' statistics report
The Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) has welcomed the first Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publication to treat the basin as one discrete statistical area.
Water and the Murray-Darling Basin - A Statistical Profile (2000-01 to 2005-06) presents a range of water, social, environmental and economic statistics relating to the Murray-Darling Basin.
The project was developed in consultation with the MDBC and following public demand identified by the ABS for basin statistics, particularly water information.
The publication covers basin statistics on climate; water availability; water consumption; agricultural production; gross value of irrigated agricultural production; population; employment; social characteristics; and natural resource management.
The Murray-Darling Basin produces a high proportion of Australia's agricultural production and uses about two-thirds of the water for agriculture in Australia.
About two million Australians live in the basin. People employed in the basin work mainly in retail, health, government and agriculture. The region is environmentally significant with about 30 internationally recognised wetlands, red gum forests, and unique flora and fauna.
To look at a copy of the new publication go to the ABS website.
AgForward workshop update
The AgForward team present a range of workshops to landholders, including GPS essentials, computer mapping, vegetation management, and AgForest's native forest field days.
Upcoming workshops include:
- 2 September: Nebo - Computer Mapping Essentials
- 3 September: Duaringa - Computer Mapping Essentials
- 4 September: Calliope- Computer Mapping Essentials
- 9-10 September: Barcaldine (Not Longreach)- Westech Field Day – AgForward staff will be present at this event
- 9 September: St George - GPS Essentials
- 10 September: Goondiwindi- GPS Essentials
- 11 September: Texas - GPS Essentials
To register for the workshops contact Bree Robertson on 3238 6039. To register for the AgForests Field Day contact Rohan Allen on 0408 769 918.
More information on these workshops can be found on the AgForward website (under 'Workshops').
Get a job in NRM!
Are you interested in working with Queensland's regional natural resource management bodies? Then head to the Regional Groups' Collective website or NRMjobs website where current job opportunities are now available. Be sure to check back regularly to ensure you don't miss out on the job of a lifetime!
Here's a sample of what's on offer:
Regional body: Queensland Murray-Darling Committee
Title: Riverine and Water Quality Technical Officer
Tenure: Full time
Salary range: Attractive salary package that includes professional development, superannuation and personal well being allowance.
Location: Roma
Contact: Tanya McKechnie on 4637 6201
Closing date: Close of business, 8 September 2008
Thought for the week
When written in Chinese, the word 'crisis' is composed of two characters—one represents danger, and the other represents opportunity.
John F. Kennedy
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Last updated 03 September 2008